http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/list/15.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net
I'm currently an active real estate agent and would like to get into Property Management with large multifamily apartments or other retail/commercial PM. I'm not looking to replace the existing companies, I'm interested in working for them. I have taken the 4 courses required for the ARM Certification (just need to take Ethics and pass the test to complete) and I believe I have all the skills necessary to at least be an Assistant Property Manager or similar type of position.

My real concern has to do with the salary levels of entry-level Property Management positions. It seems to me that without many years of hands-on experience in a large multi-family complex it would be very difficult to find an entry-level position that can compensate someone like myself with a family to support. It really seems to be geared for someone just starting out in the workforce and will be moving up over time. Is this an accurate view of Property Management positions?

Does anyone have any ideas how someone with years of other experience (including real estate sales and some single-family homes/condo/townhouse property management) can move into larger multifamily PM and make a reasonable salary? I'm not looking to bypass the system because I do want the experience, but I think with my current skills, knowledge, and work ethic I should be able to perform at a higher level than someone just starting out.

I'm thinking it might be best to try to find a part-time PM position. This way I would gain some experience while still selling real estate during the rest of my time. I've even thought about interning or volunteering for free a couple of hours a week at a local apartment complex as some sort of assistant or admin-type. Any thoughts on this?

Who are companies looking for?
I've also been applying locally for PM and other positions that open up. So far I haven't had any calls. My resume shows over 10 years experience in the IT industry (technical and management), 5 years residential real estate sales, marketing, and property management on a small scale, and other experience. I've been applying for PM, Assistant PM, leasing specialists, and other similar positions but have gotten no calls. Anyone have advice on what and what not to include in a resume for one of these positions? Does the fact that I'm a licensed agent have any positive or negative impact?

Thanks for any replies an input!
Pete]]> http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/395/2884.page http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/395/2884.page GMT
First, congratulations on pursuing the ARM designation. I would encourage you meet the final requirements (ethics and testing) to achieve the designation as soon as time permits. You will have to meet the experience requirements as outlined by IREM. This may mean taking an entry level position with an entry level pay scale for the short-term (1 year). Once you have been grated the designation, you can actively market yourself as an ARM. It is my opinion that any advanced designations show a commitment to the property management industry. Employers love commitment because we know the value of attracting and retaining the best employees for onsite positions.

Having the ARM education courses, but limited real world experience may not be a bad thing. Some employers prefer to hire "fresh" faces for assistant manager and leasing consultant positions because they can train and mold them into the employee they want. Whereas another employee, with many years of experience, may have had poor training in the past and may have developed bad habits that will essentially need to be un-trained before they can be trained into the position. Market yourself as an educated, "fresh" face that is eager to become a quick learner.

Second, your real estate license and Realtor designation are great things to have. Many states require that a person who for another negotiates, offers or attempts to negotiate the rental of real estate be licensed. Check your state requirements and market yourself accordingly.

A real estate license could have a negative impact if you do not make it clear to a prospective employer what you plan on doing with the license. If your true goal is to get into property management, I would recommend putting real estate sales to rest. I typically scan right past resumes that indicate that the individual is considering a property management position while still selling real estate part-time. We all know that selling real estate can be demanding at all hours of the day. I only want employees that are committed to me while on my payroll.

Express in a cover letter that you are looking to put your real estate license to work for the property management company. Make it clear that your days of real estate sales are over. I can guarantee that you will look like a more serious and qualified applicant that is worthy of getting that interview.

Persistence pays off - good luck.

Aaron Wickesberg, CPM
Reliant Real Estate Services
]]> http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/395/2886.page http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/395/2886.page GMT
I will certainly take what you said into consideration. I do intend to finish the educational requirements for my ARM, then CPM, and I am aware of the qualifying experience. What you said about being a licensed agent possibly turning off some employers is something I've suspected, but couldn't confirm, and that's exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for. I do put in my resume the IREM classes I've completed and hoped that would show a commitment but I like what you said about being specific about what I intend to do with my license.

Thank you for the time you put into your reply!
Pete]]> http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/395/2887.page http://www.iremfirst.org/jforum/posts/preList/395/2887.page GMT